The Medicinal Herb Info site was created to help educate visitors about the often forgotten wisdom of the old ways of treating illnesses. Many of today's drugs and medicines were originally derived from natural ingredients, combinations of plants and other items found in nature.

We are not suggesting that you ignore the help of trained medical professionals, simply that you have additional options available for treating illnesses. Often the most effective treatment involves a responsible blend of both modern and traditional treatments.

Mace (nutmeg tree Myristica fragrans) is the lacy dried aril or outer covering of the seed of the tropical nutmeg tree. The kernel inside the seed is the spice nutmeg. Uses in whole or powdered form: cakes, cookies, cooked fruit, chocolate puddings, and other desserts. It is often combined with bay leaves, cloves, and onions in seasoning dishes. Also, used for flavoring liqueurs and cordials, mulled cider, planter’s punch and hot punch.

First brought to Europe from the Banda Islands by Portuguese sailors in 1512, nutmeg gained the reputation of a cure-all and was widely eaten as a tonic. Was even taken erroneously to procure abortions and was claimed as a cure for the plague. Known as rou dou kou in China, it has been used there since the 7th century.

The Malays believe that nutmeg trees will not bear unless they can hear the sea and the tress must be fed with animal food. The beliefs are corroborated by the fact that trees grown near the sea and fed with animal food actually do produce the finest fruits.Back to Top

In small quantities, nutmeg improves appetite and digestion. Used to treat diarrhea, dysentery, gas, colic, nausea, vomiting, impotence, premature ejaculation, muscle spasms, and insomnia. The oil is sometimes used to dispel flatulence. It is a mild hallucinogenic drug, somewhat like marijuana. In addition to hallucinations and elation, however, eating nutmeg produces stomach pain, double vision, delirium, and other symptoms of poisoning. Eating as few as 2 nutmegs can cause death. Externally, the essential oil is used for rheumatic pain and, like clove oil, can be applied as an emergency treatment to dull toothache. In France, it is given in drop doses in honey for digestive upsets and for bad breath.Back to Top

It is a mild hallucinogenic drug, somewhat like marijuana. In addition to hallucinations and elation, however, eating nutmeg produces stomach pain, double vision, delirium, and other symptoms of poisoning. Eating as few as 2 nutmegs can cause death. More than 7.5 gms. in a single dose can be toxic, producing convulsions and palpitations. Use only as a seasoning in small amounts, other uses should have medical supervision.Back to Top

Herbal Gardening, compiled by The Robison York State Herb Garden, Cornell Plantations, Matthaei Botanical Gardens of the University of Michigan, University of California Botanical Garden, Berkeley., Pantheon Books, Knopf Publishing Group, New York, 1994, first edition